The Gerry Volunteer Firemen's Rodeo: Where Tradition Meets Community Spirit

In the rolling hills of western New York, a remarkable tradition continues to thrive year after year. The Gerry Volunteer Firemen's Rodeo stands as the oldest consecutive annual rodeo east of the Mississippi River, bringing world-class rodeo action to Gerry, NY while supporting the local volunteer fire department. As the summer of 2025 approaches, anticipation builds for this beloved community event that has become a cornerstone of rodeo culture in the Northeast.

A Legacy of Service and Western Heritage

What began in 1945 as an innovative fundraising idea has evolved into a cherished tradition spanning generations. When the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department needed a sustainable way to fund their life-saving equipment and operations, they looked westward for inspiration. The result? A genuine rodeo experience that has drawn competitors and spectators from across the nation for over seven decades.

"This isn't just any rodeo," explains a longtime volunteer firefighter. "Every ticket sold, every barbecue dinner served, every moment of excitement in the arena directly supports our ability to protect this community. It's a partnership between rodeo fans and first responders that's stood the test of time."

The 2025 edition, scheduled for July 31st at the Gerry Firemen's Arena, continues this proud tradition with a $11,000 purse that attracts top talent from the professional rodeo circuit. The event has become a highlight on the First Frontier Circuit calendar, drawing competitors eager to earn points toward circuit finals and national standings.

Where Champions Ride

As twilight falls over the Gerry Firemen's Arena on July 31st, the spotlight will shine on some of rodeo's most thrilling competitions. Bull riding—often called the "most dangerous eight seconds in sports"—typically brings spectators to their feet as cowboys attempt to conquer massive bucking bulls. The ground literally shakes as these 2,000-pound athletes explode from the chutes, testing the skill, courage, and determination of the riders.

Equally impressive are the timed events, where precision and teamwork take center stage. Team roping showcases the coordination between header and heeler as they attempt to rope a steer's horns and hind legs in the fastest possible time. Steer wrestling—sometimes called "bulldogging"—features cowboys leaping from horseback onto a running steer, using nothing but strength and technique to bring the animal to a halt.

For fans of speed and agility, barrel racing delivers heart-pounding action as cowgirls and their horses navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, often separated by mere hundredths of a second on the leaderboard. The partnership between horse and rider, developed through countless hours of training, is on full display in this fan-favorite event.

Other traditional events including tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, and bareback riding round out the program, ensuring a full evening of authentic rodeo competition that honors the skills developed on working ranches throughout American history.

More Than Just Competition

While the rodeo action forms the heart of the event, the Gerry Volunteer Firemen's Rodeo offers a complete western experience that extends far beyond the arena.

Perhaps most famous is the legendary Gerry Rodeo Beef BBQ, a tradition nearly as old as the rodeo itself. Prepared using a secret recipe and cooking method passed down through generations of volunteer firefighters, the beef barbecue dinner has become an essential part of the rodeo experience. Thousands of pounds of beef are slow-cooked to perfection over pit fires, creating a mouth-watering aroma that greets visitors as they arrive.

"Some folks come as much for the barbecue as they do for the rodeo," laughs one longtime volunteer. "We've had people drive hours just for dinner, and we take that as the highest compliment."

The midway surrounding the arena transforms into a festival atmosphere with vendors offering western wear, handcrafted items, and rodeo memorabilia. For younger cowboys and cowgirls, the Family Fun Zone provides activities and entertainment designed to introduce the next generation to rodeo traditions.

Live music and special performances between competitive events keep the energy high throughout the evening, creating a continuous celebration of western heritage and community spirit.

A Community United

What truly sets the Gerry Rodeo apart is its deep connection to community service. Unlike commercially-produced rodeos, this event is organized and operated almost entirely by volunteers—many of them the same firefighters who respond to emergencies throughout the year.

For months before the rodeo, these dedicated individuals balance their regular jobs and emergency response duties with preparations for the event. From maintaining the grounds to coordinating with stock contractors, from selling advertisements in the program to preparing the famous barbecue, hundreds of volunteer hours make the rodeo possible.

"It's all hands on deck," notes a fire department member. "You'll see firefighters parking cars, serving food, and handling a thousand different details. But when you understand that every dollar raised helps us save lives and protect property, it puts everything in perspective."

The impact of these efforts extends throughout the year, funding essential equipment, training, and operational costs for the volunteer fire department. In a rural community where tax dollars alone cannot support emergency services, the rodeo provides critical financial resources that benefit everyone in the region.

Planning Your Rodeo Experience

For those planning to attend the 2025 Gerry Volunteer Firemen's Rodeo, a bit of advance preparation ensures the best possible experience.

The event takes place at the Gerry Firemen's Arena, located in the heart of Gerry, NY. The venue offers ample parking, with attendants guiding visitors to designated areas. Early arrival is recommended, particularly for those planning to enjoy the famous beef barbecue dinner before the rodeo performance.

Tickets for the 2025 rodeo will go on sale beginning May 31st, with options including general admission and reserved seating. Season passes are available for dedicated fans planning to attend multiple performances. Tickets will be available for purchase directly through this website when sales open.

For those seeking a premium experience, VIP packages offer enhanced amenities and exclusive access. Groups can take advantage of special rates, making the rodeo an ideal outing for organizations, businesses, and family reunions.

The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, with designated seating areas and assistance available. Rodeo staff and volunteers pride themselves on ensuring all guests can enjoy the event comfortably.

Weather in western New York can be variable even in summer, so experienced rodeo-goers recommend bringing light jackets for evening performances when temperatures can drop. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the grounds, and while many seating areas are covered, sun protection is advisable for daytime activities.

A Timeless Tradition Continues

As the sun sets over Gerry on July 31st, 2025, the announcer's voice will echo across the arena, calling cowboys and cowgirls to action. The grand entry will showcase the American flag carried at full gallop, a moment that never fails to stir the hearts of all in attendance. The crowd will rise, hats will be removed, and the national anthem will signal the start of another chapter in this remarkable tradition.

In that moment, the connection between past and present becomes palpable. The same spirit that inspired a group of volunteer firefighters to organize a rodeo nearly eight decades ago continues to animate the event today. The same values—courage, community service, and celebration of western heritage—remain at its core.

For competitors, the Gerry Rodeo represents an opportunity to test their skills against top talent and quality stock. For spectators, it offers an authentic glimpse into rodeo culture and the chance to support a worthy cause. For the volunteer firefighters who make it all possible, it represents the community's commitment to their essential work.

When the last bull has bucked and the final time has been posted, when the arena lights dim and the barbecue pits cool, the true purpose of the Gerry Volunteer Firemen's Rodeo remains clear: neighbors helping neighbors through the celebration of a uniquely American tradition.

Mark your calendars for July 31st, 2025, and be part of this historic event where every cheer, every applause, and every ticket supports the heroes who stand ready to serve their community day and night. The Gerry Volunteer Firemen's Rodeo isn't just a showcase of rodeo excellence—it's a testament to the power of community and tradition to make a meaningful difference.